Melastoma species

Neo, Louise, Tan, Hugh T. W. & Wong, K. M., 2020, Studies in Southeast Asian Melastoma (Melastomataceae), 4. Clarification of Melastoma crinitum in Southeast Asia and the reinstatement of Melastoma molle, Phytotaxa 436 (2), pp. 196-200 : 199

Key to the Southeast Asian Melastoma species previously wrongly identified as Melastoma crinitum :

1. Hypanthium indumentum consisting of scales, i.e., distinctly flat structures which have a clear dorsi-ventral form, and that may be triangular, ovate or lanceolate. Scale margins consistently ciliolate or serrate (best viewed under 30× magnification)..................... ........................................................................................................................................................................ M. penicillatum Naudin

- Hypanthium indumentum consisting of bristles, i.e., filiform structures, distinctly terete to subterete for most of their length. Bristles without serrations or cilia throughout their length (best viewed under 30× magnification).................................................2

2. Flowers and fruits subsessile and tightly bunched together; hypanthium 4–6 mm across...................... M. botryanthum K.M.Wong

- Flowers and fruits on distinct pedicels and cyme branches, not tightly bunched together; hypanthium at least 7–9 mm across......3

3. Leaves typically 3.5–5.5 cm wide, drying discolorous (above olive-brown, below glaucous pale greenish brown); upper surface with hairs ca. 0.5 mm long or shorter........................................................................................................... M. barioense K.M.Wong

- Leaves typically 4–8 cm wide, drying concolorous (medium- to olive-brown); upper surface with hairs 0.5–1.5 mm long ............. ....................................................................................................................................................................... M. molle Wall. ex Cogn.